Jody Mercier

When asked to illustrate her dream job as a first grader, Jody drew a picture of a mom with one kid on each hip and another clinging to her leg. All these years later, that is her reality, raising three kids in New York City. Since that gig only pays in hugs and kisses, she has spent her professional career as a journalist covering health, fitness, sports, and parenting topics. She's currently the regional editor overseeing the Mommy Poppins NYC, New Jersey, Long Island, and Westchester sites and can be reached at jody@mommypoppins.com.

Latest posts by Jody Mercier

Governors Island to Stay Open Year-Round

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 09/28/2021 - 3:00pm

Visitors to Governors Island will now be able to explore fall, winter, and spring on the isle, too. Photo courtesy of the Friends of Governors Island

Big news, New Yorkers: Governors Island, our long-time favorite summer-only destination, is now open year-round. Its expanded schedule was announced Tuesday by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Trust for Governors Island.

While the big summer season comes to a close on Sunday, October 31, the new NYC Ferry service begins the very next day, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the 43-acre isle 365 days a year.

Great Birthday Party Places for Preschoolers in Manhattan

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 09/22/2021 - 12:49pm

Chelsea Piers Field House throws a smashing and sporty birthday party.

You won't be long into your parenting journey before you realize your toddler has a more robust social life than you. Once your kid hits preschool, your weekends are no longer your own. Instead, you'll be toting your kid from one party place to another—and maybe classes, too. I've been at the game for more than a decade and have ushered three kids to countless soirees around New York City. I've seen my fair share of the city's kid-party venues, so I'm rounding up a sampling of Manhattan's best-of-the-best to recommend for your preschooler's next birthday party.

Whether your style is exorbitantly fancy or simple and classic, here are eight spots in Manhattan perfect for hosting your preschooler's party.

Midtown Gets Spectacular New NYPL Branch With Rooftop Reading Room

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/20/2021 - 5:03pm

See Patience and Fortitude—in Lego form—at the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos NYPL branch in Midtown.

You won't find Manhattan's newest, coolest rooftop hang out at a swanky eatery. Instead, this cool view comes at no cost, atop the newest NYPL. A trip to the library has never been so cool as it is with a visit to the newly remodeled Stavros Niarchos Foundation branch. Housed in the old Mid-Manhattan Library Building, and catty-corner from the main NYPL branch's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, this completely reimagined space houses 400,000 books spread over eight floors. Enviable features include the aforementioned alfresco reading room overlooking Fifth Avenue and spectacular new spaces for children and teens. Add in some inventive programming, and this new library is sure to land on our list of NYC libraries with great play spaces and children's rooms.

Read on to learn more about all the services offered at this NYPL branch.

Register Now for Free After-School Program From NYC Parks

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/13/2021 - 10:01am

Several NYC recreation centers open their doors to kids for after-school enrichment. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks

Registration for the FREE after-school program run by the Parks Department opens on Monday, September 13 for NYC kids ages 6 to 13, and we've got details on what the program offers and how to sign up.

Find more after-school classes and enrichment options in our guide to Classes and Activities in NYC for Kids.

40 Things To Do in Denver with Kids, Other than Hiking

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Sat, 09/11/2021 - 2:15pm

The view is always great at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Take in a show, or climb (or jog) the steps when no one is around.

Known as the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, is a charming all-seasons destination for a family vacation. You'll find big-city attractions like Denver art museums and animal sanctuaries, including the Denver Zoo and Denver Aquarium, but its outdoor scene is also unparalleled—and don't let the weather scare you: Locals will tell you if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes. Another commonly cited fact: Colorado enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. In fact, it's quite easy to get sunburned on its famous ski slopes!

Born and raised in the Denver area, I now enjoy it with my three kids as a tourist on our annual family visits. When we're not in the mountains, there's a good bet you can find us enjoying one of these 40 family-friendly things to do in Denver. Find more of our favorite destinations in our City Travel Guides, including our local guide to Exploring the Rocky Mountains: The Best Things To Do in Boulder, CO with Kids.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to March Again in 2021

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Wed, 09/08/2021 - 10:16am

Confetti, characters, Tom Turkey, and more return to city streets this Thanksgiving with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Photo courtesy of Macy's

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning to the streets of NYC on Thursday, November 25, organizers and city officials announced. Following a made-for-TV spectacle in 2020, the 95th annual parade is planning a return to a more traditional parade route to kick off the 2021 holiday season.

Safety protocols will be finalized in the coming weeks, but expect to see larger-than-life helium balloons, marching bands, giant floats, and A-list celebrity performances, plus Santa Claus himself all parading down NYC's avenues.

Space-Themed Play Space Cosmic CAMP Comes to NYC City Point

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 09/07/2021 - 5:31pm

See how many black holes you can target with asteroids at Cosmic CAMP, a new intergalactic play space that's only here for a limited time.

Editor's note: This review was written when Cosmic CAMP was at the Flatiron location. It has since moved to City Point so there may be minor differences.

Grab your space suits and get ready to blast off on an all-ages family adventure. CAMP, the innovative toy store/play space is taking families on an interactive journey with Cosmic CAMP an intergalactic-themed family experience, which cultivates a sense of adventure while testing the mental mettle and physical skills of your all-ages "crew."

Read on for a sneak peek at what's in store once you open the magic door and enter the Cosmic Launch Pad.

Free Memberships Await as NYC Rec Centers Reopen

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Tue, 09/07/2021 - 12:45pm

NYC's recreation centers are reopening, bringing free memberships and after-school programs. Photo courtesy of NYC parks

New York City's recreation centers are reopening with big perks for New Yorkers—FREE citywide, one-year memberships will be doled out to all visitors who sign up between Tuesday, September 7 and the end of the year.

The news comes amidst the final week of the season for the FREE public swimming pools housed at city rec centers and marks the first time most of the 36 indoor spaces have reopened since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.